Bicycle hub

ABSTRACT

A bicycle hub is provided for use with bicycle spokes with spoke nipples threadedly coupled to their inner ends. The bicycle hub includes a hub axle and a hub body. The hub axle has a center axis extending between a first end and a second end. The hub body has a tubular center portion defining an interior passageway and a first mounting portion coupled to a first end of the center portion. The center portion defines an interior passageway with the hub axle being rotatably supported in the interior passageway. The first mounting portion has a plurality of first spoke openings extending axially to a first free edge and a plurality of first protrusions extending radially inwardly from the first mounting portion. The plurality of first protrusions are fixedly coupled to the first mounting portion. The bicycle hub also includes a second mounting portion coupled to a second end of the central portion. The second mounting portion has a plurality of second spoke openings. The second mounting portion can be different than the first mounting portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention generally relates to a bicycle hub for use withbicycle spokes. More specifically, the present invention relates to abicycle hub that maintains spoke nipples in spoke openings of the hub.

[0003] 2. Background Information

[0004] Bicycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form ofrecreation as well as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling hasalso become a very popular competitive sport for both amateurs andprofessionals. Whether the bicycle is used for recreation,transportation or competition, the bicycle industry is constantlyimproving the various components of the bicycle. One particularcomponent of bicycles that has been extensively redesigned over the pastyears is the bicycle wheel. Bicycle wheels are constantly beingredesigned to be lightweight and more aerodynamic in design as well asto be simple to manufacture and assemble.

[0005] There are many different types of bicycle wheels, which arecurrently available on the market. The most basic bicycle wheels have ahub portion, a plurality of spokes and an annular rim. The hub isattached to a part of the frame of the bicycle for relative rotation.The spokes extend outwardly from the hub to the annular rim. The annularrim has a recess for supporting a pneumatic tire thereon. Typically, thespokes of the bicycle wheel were thin metal wire spokes. The ends of thehub are provided with a flange that is used to couple the spoke portionsthereto. In particular, holes are provided in the hub flanges. The wirespokes are usually bent on their inner end and provided with a flangethat is formed in the shape of a nail head. The inner end is supportedin one of the holes in one of the hub flanges. The outer ends of thespokes typically are provided with threads for engaging spoke nipplesthat secure the outer ends of the wire spokes to the rim. In particular,the spoke nipples have flanges, which engage the interior surface of therim.

[0006] With a spoke constructed in this manner, the nipple is installedin a nipple hole formed in the rim, the spoke is inserted through thehole of the hub flange with the flange of the inner end of the spokeengaging the hole of the hub flange. The male threads on the outer endsof the spokes are threaded into the female threads of the spoke nipplesinstalled in the openings of the rim. It is desirable in the bicycleindustry to have as few spokes as possible. One problem withconventional spokes is the concentrated stress applied to the rim.Moreover, if fewer spokes are used, the stress on the rim becomesincreasingly larger.

[0007] Recently, some bicycle wheel designs have reversed the spokearrangement so that each of the spokes has an outer portion secured tothe rim and a threaded end secured to the hub. The inner end can besecured to the hub via conventional spoke nipples. The conventionalspoke nipples typically include a head portion and an internallythreaded shaft portion. However, in these bicycle wheels, it can bedifficult to install the spokes in the hub. Moreover, once installed inthe hub, it can be difficult to retain the spokes in the hub.Furthermore, such bicycle wheels can be complicated and expensive toassemble and manufacture.

[0008] In view of the above, there exists a need for a bicycle hub thatmaintains spoke nipples in spoke openings in the hub which overcomes theabove mentioned problems in the prior art. This invention addresses thisneed in the prior art as well as other needs, which will become apparentto those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] One object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle hubthat allows spokes to be easily installed in spoke openings in the hub.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a bicyclehub that uses spoke nipples to mount spokes in the spoke openings of thehub.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a bicyclehub that maintains spokes in the spoke openings of the hub using spokenipples.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide abicycle hub that is relatively simple and inexpensive.

[0013] The foregoing objects can be obtained by providing a bicycle hubfor use with spoke nipples. The bicycle hub includes a hub axle and ahub body. The hub axle has a center axis extending between a first endand a second end. The hub body has a tubular center portion and a firstmounting portion coupled to a first end of the center portion. Thecenter portion defines an interior passageway with the hub axle beingrotatably supported in the interior passageway. The first mountingportion has a plurality of first spoke openings extending axially to afirst free edge and a plurality of first protrusions extending radiallyinwardly from the first mounting portion. The plurality of firstprotrusions are fixedly coupled to the first mounting portion.

[0014] These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of thepresent invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with theannexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

[0016]FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a bicycle with front and rearwheels illustrated in accordance with the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 2 is an enlarged side elevational view of the front wheelillustrated in FIG. 1;

[0018]FIG. 3 is an enlarged, top plan view a front hub having a hub bodyof the bicycle wheel illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 with portions shown incross-section for the purpose of illustration;

[0019]FIG. 4 is an enlarged, top plan view of the hub body of the fronthub illustrated in FIG. 3;

[0020]FIG. 5 is a left side elevational view of the hub body illustratedin FIG. 3;

[0021]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the hub body illustrated inFIGS. 4-5, as seen along section line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

[0022]FIG. 7 is a partial, enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion ofthe hub body illustrated in FIGS. 4-6 with a spoke nipple arranged in aspoke hole;

[0023]FIG. 8 is a right side elevational view of the portion of the hubbody and spoke nipple illustrated in FIG. 7;

[0024]FIG. 9 is an enlarged, partial side elevational view of the rim ofthe front wheel illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 with a pair of spokescoupled thereto;

[0025]FIG. 10 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the portion of therim and pair of spokes illustrated in FIG. 9, as seen along section line10-10 of FIG. 9;

[0026]FIG. 11 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the portion of therim illustrated in FIG. 9, as seen along section line 11-11 of FIG. 9with a spoke shown in elevation;

[0027]FIG. 12 is an enlarged side elevational view of the rear wheel ofthe bicycle illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0028]FIG. 13 is an enlarged, top plan view of a rear hub having a hubbody of the rear bicycle wheel illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 12 withportions shown in cross-section for the purpose of illustration;

[0029]FIG. 14 is an enlarged, top plan view of the hub body of the rearhub illustrated in FIG. 13;

[0030]FIG. 15 is a left side elevational view of the hub bodyillustrated in FIG. 14;

[0031]FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the hub body illustrated inFIGS. 14-15, as seen along section line 16-16 of FIG. 15;

[0032]FIG. 17 is an enlarged partial side elevational view of a rim ofthe rear wheel illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 12 with a pair of spokescoupled thereto; and

[0033]FIG. 18 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the portion of therim illustrated in FIG. 17 as seen along section lines 18-18 of FIG. 17with a pair of spokes shown in elevation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Referring initially to FIGS. 1, 2 and 12, a bicycle 10 with afront wheel 14 and a rear wheel 16 illustrated in accordance with thepresent invention. The bicycle 10 basically has a frame 12 with a frontfork 13 movably coupled thereto. Rear wheel 16 is rotatably coupled to arear portion of the frame 12, while front wheel 14 is rotatably coupledto the front fork 13. The frame 12 also has a seat 18 adjustably coupledto frame 12, a handlebar 19 coupled to front fork 13 for turning frontwheel 14 and a drive train 20 for propelling bicycle 10.

[0035] Since these parts of bicycle 10 are well known in the art, theseparts will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein, except asthey are modified in accordance with the present invention. Moreover,various conventional bicycle parts such as brakes, derailleurs,additional sprockets, etc., which are not illustrated and/or discussedin detail herein, can be used in conjunction with the present invention.

[0036] Front wheel 14 basically includes a central hub or centralmounting portion 22, a plurality of outwardly extending spokes 24 and anannular rim portion 26 with a pneumatic tire 28 coupled thereto in aconventional manner as best seen in FIG. 2. In the illustratedembodiment shown herein, front wheel 14 has sixteen spokes 24 extendingradially between central hub 22 and annular rim portion 26. Of course,it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosurethat front wheel 14 can have fewer or more spokes 24 than illustrated ifneeded and/or desired.

[0037] Rear wheel 16 basically includes a central hub or centralmounting portion 42, a plurality of outwardly extending spokes 24 and anannular rim portion 46 with a pneumatic tire 28 coupled thereto in aconventional manner as best seen in FIG. 12. In the illustratedembodiment shown herein, rear wheel 16 has sixteen spokes 24 extendingradially between central hub 42 and annular rim portion 46. Of course,it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosurethat rear wheel 16 can have fewer or more spokes 24 than illustrated ifneeded and/or desired.

Front Hub

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 3-6, front hub 22 has a tubular hub bodyportion 30 a first bearing assembly 33 a, a second bearing assembly 33b, a quick release mechanism 25 and a hub axle 32 rotatably supported intubular body portion 30. Quick release mechanism 25 is coupled to hubaxle 32 in a conventional manner. Of the parts of front hub 22, only thehub body portion 30 is a non-conventional part. The remaining parts ofrear hub 42 are relatively conventional, and thus, the remaining partsof front hub 22 will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein.

[0039] Tubular body portion 30 has tubular center portion 34 and a pairof tubular mounting portions 36 a and 36 b fixedly coupled to oppositeends of center portion 34 for mounting spokes 24 thereto. First andsecond bearing assemblies 33 a and 33 b rotatably support body portion30 on hub axle 32. Mounting portions 36 a and 36 b will be referred toas first mounting portion 36 a and second mounting portion 36 b,respectively. Preferably, second mounting portion 36 b is a mirror imageof first mounting portion 36 a. Each tubular mounting portion 36 a and36 b has a plurality of spoke openings 38 a and 38 b for coupling spokes24 thereto, respectively. Preferably, each mounting portion 36 a and 36b has eight spoke openings 38 a and 38 b formed therein, respectively.Spoke openings 38 a and 38 b will be referred to as first spoke openings38 a and second spoke openings 38 b, respectively.

[0040] Preferably, body portion 30 is formed as a one-piece, unitarymember. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that bodyportion 30 can be constructed of any substantially rigid material, suchas those materials, which are known in the art. For example, bodyportion 30 can be constructed of any suitable metallic material, such asplated steel, stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium or titanium, as wellas other nonmetallic materials, such as carbon fiber composite, ceramicor plastic. Moreover, center portion 34, mounting portion 36 a andmounting portion 36 b could be constructed of different materials asneed and/or desired.

[0041] Tubular center portion 34 defines an interior passageway and hubaxle 32 is rotatably supported therein. Hub axle 32 has a center axis Fextending from a first end 32 a to a second end 32 b. First and secondends 32 a and 32 b of hub axle 32 are threaded to receive a pair of nuts27 a and 27 b. Nuts 27 a and 27 b hold bearing assemblies 33 a and 33 b,body portion 30 and hub axle 32 together when hub 22 is assembled. Firstmounting portion 36 a is arranged adjacent first end 32 a of hub axle 32and second mounting portion 36 b is arranged adjacent second end 32 b ofhub axle 32. The pair of tubular mounting portions 36 a and 36 b supporta plurality of spokes 24 in spoke openings 38 a and 38 b with spokenipples 66. More specifically, spokes 24 have spoke nipples 66 threadedto their inner ends, and spoke nipples 66 are arranged in spoke openings38 a and 38 b to couple front hub 22 to annular rim portion 26.

[0042] Each tubular mounting portion 36 a and 36 b has a free edge 37 aand 37 b, respectively located at opposite ends of body portion 30. Freeedges 37 a and 37 b will be referred to as first free edge 37 a andsecond free edge 37 b, respectively. Each mounting portion 36 a and 36 bpreferably has larger inner and outer diameters than center portion 30and hub axle 32. Spoke openings 38 a and 38 b are formed as elongatedslots extending axially from free edges 37 a and 37 b, respectively.Moreover, spoke openings 38 a and 38 b are sized to allow spoke nipples66 to be slidably received therein. Therefore, spokes 24 with spokenipples 66 threadedly coupled thereto can be axially inserted in spokeopenings 38 a and 38 b from opposite ends of front hub 22.

[0043] Mounting portions 36 a and 36 b have a plurality of protrusions39 a and 39 b fixedly coupled thereto and extending radially inwardlyfrom mounting portions 36 a and 36 b, respectively. Protrusions 39 a and39 b will be referred to as first protrusions 39 a and secondprotrusions 39 b, respectively. Protrusions 39 a and 39 b are adjacentspoke openings 38 a and 38 b to maintain the spoke nipples 66 therein.Specifically, protrusions 39 a and 39 b are formed as circumferentialinternal flanges extending radially inwardly from free edges 37 a and 37b toward center axis F of hub axle 32. With this arrangement,protrusions 39 a and 39 b can engage heads of spoke nipples 66 toprevent spokes 24 from moving axially out of spoke openings 38 a and 38b when front wheel 14 is assembled. More specifically, each of theprotrusions 39 a and 39 b extends between a pair of adjacent spokeopenings 38 a and 38 b, respectively.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the retention of spoke nipples 66 inspoke openings 38 a and 38 b will be discussed in more detail.Specifically, in assembling front wheel 14, spokes 24 with spoke nipples66 coupled thereto are axially moved into spoke openings 38 a and 38 bprior to tightening spokes 24 between front hub 22 and annular rimportion 26. Accordingly, each spoke 24 and spoke nipple 66 can be easilyinserted in spoke openings 38 a and 38 b. However, when spoke nipples 66are rotated relative to spokes 24, a tensional force is applied tospokes 24 and spoke nipples 66 move radially outward toward rim 26.

[0045] More specifically, the heads of spoke nipples 66 are tightenedagainst the inner surfaces of tubular mounting portions 36 a and 36 b asbest seen in FIG. 7. In this tightened position, heads of spoke nipples66 engage protrusions 39 a and 39 b to prevent axial movement of spokenipples 66 and spokes 24 relative to body portion 30 of front hub 22.Accordingly, spokes 24 and spoke nipples 66 cannot be accidentallydisplaced from spoke openings 38 a and 38 b, and a reliable wheelconstruction is attained. Preferably, a pair of covers 31 a and 31 b arearranged at first and second free edges 37 a and 37 b, respectively whenhub 22 of front wheel 14 is assembled.

[0046] As mentioned above, first and second bearing assemblies 33 a and33 b rotatably support hub body portion 30 on hub axle 32. The bearingassembly 33 a basically includes a plurality of balls 100 a locatedbetween an inner race member 102 a and an outer race member 104 a.Similarly, the bearing assembly 33 b basically includes a plurality ofballs 100 b located between an inner race member 102 b and an outer racemember 104 b. Since bearing assemblies 33 a and 33 b and are well knowin the bicycle art, they will not be discussed or illustrated in detailherein.

Rear Hub

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 13-16, rear hub 42 has a tubular hub bodyportion 50, a bearing support sleeve 51, a first bearing assembly 53 a,a second bearing assembly 53 b, a freewheel mounting portion 43, a quickrelease mechanism 45 and a hub axle 52. Hub axle 52 is rotatablysupported in tubular body portion 50 by bearing assemblies 53 a and 53b. Quick release mechanism 43 is coupled to hub axle 52 in aconventional manner. Freewheel mounting portion 43 is coupled to bodyportion 50 in a conventional manner and has a plurality of splines forreceiving a freewheel (not shown). Of the parts of rear hub 42, only thehub body portion 50 and the bearing support sleeve 51 arenon-conventional parts. The remaining parts of rear hub 42 arerelatively conventional, and thus, the remaining parts of rear hub 42will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein.

[0048] Tubular body portion 50 has tubular center portion 54 and a pairof tubular mounting portions 56 a and 56 b fixedly coupled to oppositeends of center portion 54 for mounting spokes 24 thereto. First andsecond bearing assemblies 53 a and 53 b rotatably support body portion50 on hub axle 52. Mounting portions 56 a and 56 b will be referred toas first mounting portion 56 a and second mounting portion 56 b. Secondmounting portion 56 b is different from first mounting portion 56 a sothat a free wheel (not shown) can be coupled to rear hub 42. Eachtubular mounting portion 56 a and 56 b has a plurality of spoke openings58 a and 58 b for coupling spokes 24 thereto. Preferably, each mountingportion 56 a and 56 b has eight spoke openings 58 a and 58 b formedtherein, respectively. Spoke openings 58 a and 58 b will be referred toas first spoke openings 58 a and second spoke openings 58 b,respectively.

[0049] Preferably, body portion 50 is formed as a one-piece, unitarymember. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that bodyportion 50 can be constructed of any substantially rigid material, suchas those materials, which are known in the art. For example, bodyportion 50 can be constructed of any suitable metallic material, such asplated steel, stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium or titanium, as wellas other nonmetallic materials, such as carbon fiber composite, ceramicor plastic. Moreover, center portion 54, first mounting portion 56 a andsecond mounting portion 56 b could be constructed of different materialsas need and/or desired.

[0050] Tubular center portion 54 defines an interior passageway and hubaxle 52 is rotatably supported therein. Hub axle 52 has a center axis Rextending from a first end 52 a to a second end 52 b. First and secondends 52 a and 52 b of hub axle 52 are threaded to receive a pair of nuts47 a and 47 b. Nuts 47 a and 47 b hold bearing assemblies 53 a and 53 b,body portion 50 and hub axle 52 together when hub 42 is assembled. Firstmounting portion 56 a is arranged adjacent first end 52 a of hub axle 52and second mounting portion 56 b is arranged adjacent second end 52 b ofhub axle 52. The pair of tubular mounting portions 56 a and 56 b supporta plurality of spokes 24 in spoke openings 58 a and 58 b with spokenipples 66. More specifically, spokes 24 have spoke nipples 66 threadedto their inner ends, and spoke nipples 66 are arranged in spoke openings58 a and 58 b to couple front hub 22 to annular rim portion 26.

[0051] First mounting portion 56 a is substantially similar to firstmounting portion 36 a of front hub 22 except that first mounting portion56 a has larger inner and outer diameters than first mounting portion 36a. First mounting portion 56 a has a first free edge 57 a and has largerinner and outer diameters than center portion 54 and hub axle 52. Spokeopenings 58 a are formed as elongated slots extending axially from freeedge 57 a. Moreover, spoke openings 58 a are sized to allow spokenipples 66 to be slidably received therein. Therefore, spokes 24 withspoke nipples 66 threadedly coupled thereto can be axially inserted inspoke openings 58 a from a first end of rear hub 42.

[0052] Mounting portion 56 a has a plurality of first protrusions 59 afixedly coupled thereto and extending radially inwardly from firstmounting portion 56 a. Protrusions 59 a are adjacent spoke openings 58 ato maintain the spoke nipples 66 therein. Specifically, protrusions 59 aare formed as circumferential internal flanges extending radiallyinwardly from first free edge 57 a toward center axis R of hub axle 52.With this arrangement, protrusions 59 a can engage heads of spokenipples 66 to prevent spokes 24 from moving axially out of spokeopenings 58 a when rear wheel 16 is assembled. More specifically, eachof the protrusions 59 a extends between a pair of adjacent spokeopenings 58 a. Preferably, a cover 51′ is arranged at first free edge 57a when hub 42 of rear wheel 16 is assembled.

[0053] Basically, second mounting portion 56 b is formed of a pluralityof spoke attachment projections 55 and a tapered portion. Secondmounting portion 56 b is arranged on an opposite side of center portion54 from first mounting portion 56 a. The tapered portion is an annularplate member that extends outwardly from center portion 54. Preferably,second mounting portion 56 b has four spoke attachment projections 55with a pair of opposing spoke openings 58 b formed in each spokeattachment projection 55 for attaching eight spokes 24 thereto.Accordingly, spoke nipples 66 and spokes 24 are maintained in secondspoke openings 58 b.

[0054] Spoke openings 58 b are preferably closed openings with circularcross-sections to retain spoke nipples 66 therein. Of course, secondtubular mounting portion 56 b can have more or fewer than four spokeattachment projections 55 as needed and/or desired. The number and shapeof the spoke attachment projections 55 will depend upon the number ofspokes, the type of spokes and the type of wheel. Moreover, each spokeattachment projection 55 can have more or fewer spoke openings 58 b andspoke openings can have different configurations as needed and/ordesired.

[0055] In attaching spokes 24 to second mounting portion 56 b, inner endportions of spokes 24 are inserted through one (external) end of secondspoke openings 58 b of body portion 50, and then spoke nipples 66 areinserted through the other (internal) end of second spoke openings 58 b.Spoke nipples 66 are threadedly coupled to inner end portions of spokes24 and engage an internal abutment surface of second mounting portion 56b to fixedly secure spokes 24 to hub 42.

[0056] Center portion 54 of body portion 50 has a larger outer diameterthan center portion 34 of front hub 22. Center portion 54 has a firstmaximum internal diameter and a second minimum internal diameter. Abearing support sleeve 51 is non-rotatably coupled within center portion54 (maximum inner diameter section) and forms a part of hub body 50 whenhub 42 is assembled. Bearing support sleeve 51 is a tubular member withan internal flange 51 a for supporting bearing assembly 53 a.

[0057] As mentioned above, first and second bearing assemblies 53 a and53 b rotatably support hub body portion 50 on hub axle 52. The bearingassembly 53 a basically includes a plurality of balls 110 a locatedbetween an inner race member 112 a and an outer race member 114 a.Similarly, the bearing assembly 53 b basically includes a plurality ofballs 110 b located between an inner race member 112 b and an outer racemember 114 b. Since bearing assemblies 53 a and 53 b and are well knowin the bicycle art, they will not be discussed or illustrated in detailherein.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 12, each of the spokes 24 has anouter end portion 60, a center or middle portion 62 and a threaded innerend portion 64. Straight center portion 62 of a spoke 24 is locatedradially inwardly of outer end portion 60, and inner end portion 64located radially inwardly of the center portion 62. Spokes 24 arecoupled to hubs 22 and 42 at inner ends 64 of spokes 24 as discussedabove. Preferably, outer end portion 60, center portion 62 and inner endportion 64 are constructed as a unitary, one-piece member with spokenipples 66 theadedly coupled to the inner end portion 64 of each of thespokes 24 for connection to hubs 22 and 42.

[0059] As best seen in FIGS. 9, 10, 17 and 18, outer end portions 60 ofspokes 24 have a bent section 60 a with an enlarged head 60 b at thefree end of bent section 60 a. Heads 60 b are offset from bent sections60 a. The head 60 b has a larger width or diameter than bent section 60a to secure spoke 24 to rims 26 and 46 via reinforcement member orwasher 68. Center portions 62 and inner end portions 64 each have acircular or elliptical cross section. Of course, it will be apparent tothose skilled in the art that constant cross section spokes can beutilized or spokes with a varying cross section can be utilized asneeded and/or desired. Moreover, spokes with other cross-sections couldbe utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0060] Of course, it will also be apparent to those skilled in the artfrom this disclosure that outer end portions 60 can be bent or formed tohave a different shape and/or cross section than the illustrated shapesand cross sections. Moreover, outer end portions 60 of spokes 24 couldbe designed to be directly coupled to a different bicycle rim withoutthe use of reinforcement members or washers 68 as needed and/or desired.In any event, the shapes and cross sections of outer end portions 60 ofeach spoke 24 should be configured to prevent axial movement of thespokes 24 relative to rims 26 and 46 when the spoke 24 is in theinstalled position.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 9-11, rim 26 includes an outer annular portion70 adapted to receive tire 28 and an annular spoke attachment portion72. The rim 26 is a so-called deep rim in which the rim's radial heightis greater than the rim's axial width. Rim 26 is designed to have a“clincher” type pneumatic tire 28 fastened thereto in a conventionalmanner. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the shapeof rim 26 could be modified to accommodate different types of tires asneeded and/or desired without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. For example, rim 26 could be modified to accommodate“tubular” or “sew-up” type tires which are adapted to be cemented to anouter surface of a rim. In such a rim, outer annular portion 70 isformed of a curved tubular member and a tire is cemented to the outersurface of the tubular member.

[0062] Preferably, outer annular portion 70 of rim 26 has asubstantially “U-shaped” cross-section adapted to receive a “clincher”type pneumatic tire 28. Outer annular portion 70 of rim 26 has aplurality of access apertures 76 for inserting spokes 24 therethroughand into a plurality of spoke openings 78 of annular spoke attachmentportion 72. Annular spoke attachment portion 72 also has a substantially“U-shaped” cross-section and is fixedly coupled to outer annular portion70.

[0063] Rim 26 is constructed of a substantially rigid material, such asthose materials, which are well known in the art. For example, rims 26can be constructed of any suitable metallic material, such as platedsteel, stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium or titanium, as well asother non-metallic materials, such as a carbon fiber composite, whichcan be utilized for a bicycle wheel. Rim 26 is relatively conventional.Therefore, rim 26 will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein.

[0064] Annular spoke attachment portion 72 is located radially inward ofouter annular portion 70. Rim 26 is a tubular member with a hollow,annular inner area. Spoke openings 78 are circumferentially spaced andformed in a pair of opposing side sections 74 of spoke attachmentportion 72. Spoke openings 78 are sized for receiving spokes 24 withreinforcement members or washers 68 therein. Reinforcement members orwashers 68 are designed to disperse the stresses applied to rim 26 byspokes 24. Each spoke opening 78 is located adjacent one of the accessapertures 76 so that a spoke 24 with a reinforcement member 68 can beinserted through access aperture 76 and into spoke opening 78. Moreover,spoke openings 78 formed in one opposing side section 74 arecircumferentially staggered from spoke openings 78 formed in theopposite opposing side section 74.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, rim 46 includes an outer annularportion 90 adapted to receive tire 28 and an annular spoke attachmentportion 92. The rim 46 is a so-called deep rim in which the rim's radialheight is greater than the rim's axial width. Rim 46 is designed to havea “clincher” type pneumatic tire 28 fastened thereto in a conventionalmanner. Of course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatthe shape of rim 46 could be modified to accommodate different types oftires as needed and/or desired without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. For example, rim 46 could be modified to accommodate“tubular” or “sew-up” type tires which are adapted to be cemented to anouter surface of a rim. In such a rim, outer annular portion 90 isformed of a curved tubular member and a tire is cemented to the outersurface of the tubular member.

[0066] Rim 46 of rear wheel 16 is identical to rim 26 of front wheel 14except that spoke openings 98 are circumferentially aligned on oppositeside of rim 46, rather than circumferentially staggered as in rim 26.Therefore rim 46 will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein.Specifically, spoke openings 98 formed in one opposing side section 94of rim 46 are circumferentially aligned with spoke openings 98 formed inthe opposite opposing side section 94. Such an arrangement is due to thearrangement of mounting portions 56 a and 56 b of rear hub 42.

[0067] Referring again to FIGS. 9, 10, 17 and 18, reinforcement membersor washers 68 will now be discussed in more detail. Reinforcementmembers or washers 68 are designed to disperse the stresses applied torims 26 and 46 by spokes 24. Reinforcement members or washers 68 arepreferably disk shaped members with each reinforcement member or washer68 having a first (smaller) circular stepped portion 80, a second(larger) circular stepped portion 82 and a centrally located spoke hole84. Preferably, reinforcement members or washers 68 are constructed asone-piece, unitary members.

[0068] An example of one suitable material for reinforcement members orwashers 68 is aluminum alloy. Of course, other materials can be used. Itwill be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that reinforcement members or washers 48 do not have to bestepped as illustrated.

[0069] The diameters or widths of stepped portions 80 and 82 should beas large as reasonably possible to disperse the stresses on rims 26 and46 from spokes 24. In other words, it is better for the diameters orwidths of stepped portions 80 and 82 to be as large as reasonablypossible. First circular stepped portion 80 of each of the reinforcementmembers or washers 68 can be frictionally retained within one of thespoke openings 78 or 98 of rims 26 and 46, respectively. Since spokes 24are placed under tension between hubs 22 or 42 and rims 26 or 46, spokes24 apply an inward radial force at circumferentially spaced locationsthat correspond to spoke openings 78 and 98. Accordingly, the strengthof rims 26 and 46 is increased without adding thickness.

[0070] Spoke holes 84 of reinforcement washers 68 are designed so thatspokes 24 can freely pass therethrough. The center portions 62 of spokes24 are elliptical in cross-section. Accordingly, spoke holes 84 havelongitudinally extending slots 86 that increase the effective diameteror width of spoke holes 84 to allow the center portions 62 of spokes 24to pass therethrough. A slanted cutout or notch 88 is formed on theaxial face of first step portion 80. This notch 88 accommodates the bentsection 40 a of the outer end portion of spoke 24.

[0071] While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustratethe present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artfrom this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing description of theembodiments according to the present invention are provided forillustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention asdefined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bicycle hub for use with bicycle spoke nipples,said bicycle hub comprising: a hub axle having a center axis extendingbetween a first end and a second end; and a hub body having a tubularcenter portion defining an interior passageway with said hub axle beingrotatably supported therein and a first mounting portion coupled to afirst end of said center portion; said first mounting portion having aplurality of first spoke openings extending axially to a first free edgeand a plurality of first protrusions fixedly coupled to said firstmounting portion and extending radially inwardly from said firstmounting portion adjacent said first spoke openings to maintain thespoke nipples in said first spoke openings.
 2. The bicycle hub accordingto claim 1, wherein said first mounting portion is tubular and saidfirst spoke openings are elongated slots extending axially from saidfirst free edge.
 3. The bicycle hub according to claim 2, wherein eachof said first protrusions is formed of an internal flange extendingradially toward said center axis.
 4. The bicycle hub according to claim3, wherein each of said first protrusions extends between a pair ofadjacent said first spoke openings.
 5. The bicycle hub according toclaim 4, wherein said first protrusions extend radially inwardly fromsaid first free edge.
 6. The bicycle hub according to claim 5, whereinsaid hub body has a second mounting portion with a plurality of secondspoke openings formed therein, said second mounting portion beingcoupled to a second end of said central portion.
 7. The bicycle hubaccording to claim 6, wherein said second spoke openings extend axiallyto a second free edge of said second mounting portion and a plurality ofsecond protrusions extending radially inwardly from said second mountingportion adjacent said second spoke openings to maintain the spokes insaid second spoke openings.
 8. The bicycle hub according to claim 7,wherein said second mounting portion is tubular and said second spokeopenings are elongated slots extending axially from said second freeedge.
 9. The bicycle hub according to claim 8, wherein each of saidsecond protrusions is formed of an internal flange extending radiallytoward said center axis.
 10. The bicycle hub according to claim 9,wherein each of said second protrusions extends between a pair ofadjacent said second spoke openings.
 11. The bicycle hub according toclaim 10, wherein said second protrusions extend radially inwardly fromsaid second free edge.
 12. The bicycle hub according to claim 6, whereinsaid second mounting portion is a tubular member with a plurality ofradially extending attachment projections having said second spokeopenings formed therein.
 13. The bicycle hub according to claim 1,wherein said first mounting portion is tubular and each of said firstprotrusions is formed of an internal flange extending toward said centeraxis.
 14. The bicycle hub according to claim 1, wherein said firstprotrusions extend radially inwardly from said first free edge.
 15. Thebicycle hub according to claim 1, wherein each of said first protrusionsextends between a pair of adjacent said first spoke openings.
 16. Thebicycle hub according to claim 1, wherein said hub body has a secondmounting portion with a plurality of second spoke openings formedtherein, said second mounting portion being coupled to a second end ofsaid central portion.
 17. The bicycle hub according to claim 16, whereinsaid second spoke openings extend axially to a second free edge of saidsecond mounting portion and a plurality of second protrusions extendingradially inwardly from said second mounting portion adjacent said secondspoke openings to maintain the spokes in said second spoke openings. 18.The bicycle hub according to claim 16, wherein said second mountingportion is a tubular member with a plurality of radially extendingattachment projections having said second spoke openings formed therein.19. The bicycle hub according to claim 1, further comprising a pluralityof elongated outwardly extending spokes coupled to said hub with each ofsaid spokes having an inner end portion and an outer end portion, saidinner end portions being received in said first spoke openings.
 20. Thebicycle hub according to claim 19, wherein said inner end portions ofsaid spokes have spoke nipples threaded coupled thereto.
 21. The bicyclehub according to claim 19, further comprising an annular rim coupled tosaid outer ends of said spokes, said annular rim being adapted toreceive a tire.
 22. The bicycle hub according to claim 1, wherein saidhub body is formed as a one-piece unitary member.
 23. The bicycle hubaccording to claim 1, wherein said hub body is formed of at least twopieces.